A 384 track fixed recording head

A multiplexed write magnetic head has been realized, constructed with the ability to record a very large number of parallel tracks on a magnetic tape. The multiplexed concept is presented along with a practical component. Recording performance is similar to that of the state-of-the-art 8 mm MIG (metal-in-gap) video heads. Multiplex-induced crosstalk is analyzed and is measured in the worst case to be below -23 dB. The head-to-media contact is very homogeneous, and only limited by the tape roughness. A raw bit error rate of 10/sup -5/ has been measured for the complete channel.<>